Pep Guardiola hints at new Manchester City role for Phil Foden in 2025/26 season
Phil Foden could be set to take on a new role in Manchester City's system, as hinted by head coach Pep Guardiola this week.
The England international returned to action for the new 2025/26 season with a bang as he provided both a goal and an assist in Manchester City's opening victory of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
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Scoring inside the opening two minutes, Foden inspired his side on to a convincing victory over Wydad AC in the group stage of the competition, before delivering the perfect corner for Jeremy Doku to volley home before the stroke of half-time.
With Kevin De Bruyne departing the club and Manchester City recruiting Rayan Cherki from Lyon for the number 10 role, many have been wondering how that could impact Phil Foden's positional availability in Pep Guardiola's side.
Operating through the middle alongside the aforementioned France international, Wednesday afternoon perhaps offered the first glimpse into the all-energy approach that Guardiola is attempting to implement in his forward line.
And speaking to broadcasters after Manchester City's 2-0 win over Wydad AC in their opening contest of the Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the importance of Foden after his match-winning performance in Philadelphia.
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'Of course he will be important [this season],' Guardiola insisted.
The Catalan tactician continued, 'He plays another role, more there, we have a lot of No10s, we have to adjust many things, but step by step.'
For now, it remains to be seen exactly what Pep Guardiola's preference is for the attacking midfield ranks in his side, although the remainder of the Club World Cup could offer some insight into the vision for the new season.
Manchester City will next take on the United Arab Emirates' Al Ain on matchday two of the group stage, with the Middle-Eastern club falling to a tough 0-5 defeat on their own opening game of the competition at the hands of Juventus.
Pep Guardiola has already stated that the clash against the side in Atlanta, Georgia at the weekend could see a heavily rotated line-up fielded, with as many as 10 new players anticipated for the contest.
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